MLB Player News

Lyles experienced lower back tightness Tuesday but is feeling better, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Lyles exited Tuesday's "B" game versus the Rangers with the injury after fielding a grounder. The details regarding the injury were initially not available, but he was feeling better when he left the complex and will be reevaluated Wednesday morning.

Lyles (undisclosed) exited Wednesday's "B" game versus the Rangers with an injury after fielding a grounder, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

The severity or nature of Lyles' injury wasn't immediately available. Until further details are provided, it's unclear how long the injury could sideline the right-hander.

Astros general manager Dana Brown said Tuesday that he expects Urquidy to open the season in the rotation, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Urquidy seemingly would be competing with J.P. France for a spot if everyone was healthy, but with Justin Verlander (shoulder) behind schedule they will both be needed. France is coming back from a shoulder issue himself but is expected to be ready in time for Opening Day. Urquidy finished with a 5.29 ERA over 63 innings for the Astros during a disappointing 2023 campaign but believes his struggles can be traced to tipping his pitches, something he has worked to correct.

Gausman (shoulder) played catch without issue Tuesday, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

He'll play catch again Wednesday, a good sign after he was diagnosed with fatigue in his right shoulder. The Blue Jays are still considering Gausman day-to-day and will decide later this week what the possible next steps will be for his throwing program. His availability for Opening Day has not been ruled out, but it's far from a given.

Manoah (shoulder) will play catch for the second day in a row Tuesday, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Manoah resumed throwing Monday after a brief shutdown period with right shoulder soreness, and it's a good sign that he's feeling well enough to throw again the next day. Manoah still has numerous hoops to jump through and faces a tall task to be ready by Opening Day.

Initial imaging on Giolito's right elbow showed a partial UCL tear and flexor strain, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

Giolito will be examined further before any decisions are made, but season-ending surgery is a possibility. It's brutal news for a Red Sox team that already seemed a little light on rotation depth. Giolito's two-year, $38.5 million contract contains an opt-out after the first year, but he surely wouldn't exercise that if he winds up requiring surgery. Worth noting is that Jordan Montgomery remains a free agent and has been heavily connected to the Red Sox. If Boston fills Giolito's spot internally, it opens the door for both Tanner Houck and Garrett Whitlock in the rotation.

France (shoulder) will throw live batting practice Wednesday and is on track to begin the season in the Astros' rotation, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

France came into camp battling some right shoulder inflammation but has made steady progress since then. He should be cleared for games soon after if Wednesday's live BP session goes well, giving him time to ramp up for Opening Day.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Tuesday that Giolito felt right elbow soreness after his last Grapefruit League appearance and is not expected to be ready Opening Day, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

Giolito will have the elbow checked out before more is known, but Cora admitted to being concerned about the right-hander, suggesting this could be a long-term absence. Both Tanner Houck and Garrett Whitlock would now appear locks for the Red Sox rotation, although the calls for the team to sign Jordan Montgomery no doubt will grow louder.

Baz's (elbow) throwing program will be delayed by about a week after he tweaked his oblique while picking up a weight, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Baz was close to being cleared to throw his first live batting practice session of the spring, but that will now be pushed back a bit. The young right-hander is fully recovered from Tommy John surgery but will begin the season in extended spring training as the Rays build him up slowly. It's unclear as to when Baz will be ready to make his season debut.

Astros manager Joe Espada said Tuesday that Verlander (shoulder) will begin the season on the injured list, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Verlander has not encountered any setbacks and continues to progress well as he works his way back from an offseason right shoulder issue. However, the 41-year-old simply needs more time. Verlander has been throwing bullpen sessions but has not yet been cleared for live batting practice. It's not clear whether he will be able to get into any Grapefruit League games before the exhibition schedule wraps up. If Verlander is placed on the IL Opening Day, he would first be eligible to return April 11, although it would appear far from a given that he's ready at that time.